Posted on 07/14/2005 7:17:11 AM PDT by jb6
ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia - Reconstruction work on the historic Synagogue of Rostov-on-Don has gotten underway this week. Formerly known as the Soldiers' Choral Synagogue, this building was erected in 1872 with funds contributed by Cantonists, Jewish soldiers that had been forced to serve in the Russian army from their teenage years for 25 years. Today, the Synagogue is considered a monument of architecture and history, as well as representing the spiritual center of this major southern Russian center.
As the only historical building that was returned to the local Jewish community, the fate and development of this building is closely tied to that of the Jewish community in Rostov-on-Don. Since the time that the building was confiscated and 'nationalized' by the Communists in 1935, no renovations or repairs have ever been carried out. This resulted in a disastrous situation, as many of the building's structures have fallen into critical disrepair.
Initially, the community had planned to undertake the necessary repairs on a gradual basis, to allow part of the Synagogue to work in spite of the reconstruction works. But a thorough examination of the building has shown that the main framework and structures of the building were too weak and required immediate repair or faced being condemned.
The city's Chief Rabbi Chaim Friedman and Yuri Rubinov, the Chairman of the Jewish community, are now busy overseeing these capital repairs, having attracted the city's best designers and architects to fully renew the Synagogue's interior, while retaining its prized historical image. Its reconstruction is being funded by Rohr Family Foundation and contributions made by Jewish community members and supporters.
Eats you up that there are positive things happened, just can't help but post your negativeness at every opportunity.
It's amazing how certain people just can't stand any good news in Russia.
"It's amazing how certain people just can't stand any good news in Russia."
On every topic (including Jewish life and antisemitism), we need to hear all the information and the variety of viewpoints to get a full picture. So thank you both, jb6 and Wiz.
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